The Drive:
      I was a student at Syracuse University when Rollie Massimino’s Wildcats became the lowest seed ever to win the NCAA Tournament. The Big East was dominate that year, and as an athlete at ‘Cuse we were given passes to the Dome for all of those games. The funny thing about that final, Georgetown vs Villanova, is that Syracuse had beaten both of those teams in the regular season in what was a dog-eat-dog conference. Toss in St. John’s and there were four teams ranked in the top dozen or so in the nation at any given time. Pearl Washington was the star guard on ‘Cuse’s team, and I actually remember taking down Georgetown the clearest, probably because of Patrick Ewing. It was a frenzy in there.
  The Fairway:
      That, brings me to this—Villanova reclaims the magic, and the title this year. The forgotten Big East power, a three-seed that nobody is giving much run to, will take home the trophy.  The parallels are pretty scary to the upset year.  Jay Wright is coach of the year, and this is a balanced team with great guards. They’ve already taken down Pitt by 10, so they should be able to get out of the region. They are balanced, four average in double figures, and they are overshadowed by Louisville, who I predict they will meet in the final, ala G-Town of old. This time, they’ll get the best of the Cardinals.  The boys from Philly are ready to shock the world again. Once every couple of decades, give or take.
  The Green:
        I’ll post my bracket later today, when I can find it, but the other final 4 teams I’ve got are North Carolina and Washington. Yeah, Washington..a four seed. Top of my head I like a couple of first round upsets, but not a ton. Utah State should win, and so should Western Kentucky. The shockers in this tournament will come in the round of 16, when the one and two seeds start falling to threes, fours, and fives. This tournament is about 15 deep with teams that can win, while there are only a couple of teams you can really say—should win—which means they won’t.  Enjoy the madness.
  The Jar.
        Wow, Denver used to be a franchise I respected, then they fire Mke Shanahan. Owner Pat Bowlen starts with the “I’m getting up in age, I don’t remember that conversation” nonsense.  And the new guy, Josh McDaniels, tries to trade Jay Cutler for his Patriots fill-in—without—without—ever bothering talk to Cutler first. Then they’re shocked when Jay is miffed. Please. Be straight with people, and you’ll get the same back. This “It’s a business..he should know that and get over it..” argument is no excuse for checking your integrity at the door. I’ve actually had anchovies and orange juice…together..by accident. The anchovies were on a pizza..and I thought I was drinking coke..didn’t look in that plastic cup….wait….is that Josh handing me the cup…now somebody hand me the TUMS.